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Time Magazine
08-05-2025
- Business
- Time Magazine
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli and Charlize Theron: Young Africans Are Ready to Lead. We Must Protect Their Health
If you want to glimpse the future, look to Africa—the youngest, fastest-growing continent brimming with potential. As two women raised in Africa, we've witnessed firsthand the incredible promise this continent holds. By 2050, a quarter of people on Earth will be African. This youth boom is an unprecedented opportunity. With proper investments, these young people can drive innovation and economic growth globally. The next big tech disruptor? They could be coding in Lagos. The medical student ready to discover the next health innovation? They might be studying in Nairobi right now. They will found startups, staff entire industries, and supply the ingenuity every economic revolution needs. There are already powerful stories emerging across Africa, showing what's possible when young Africans are given the opportunity and resources to thrive. In Nigeria, Temie Giwa-Tubosun founded LifeBank—the "Amazon for blood" —using technology to deliver blood and oxygen to hospitals, saving over 20,000 lives since 2016. From mobile money in Kenya to electric vehicles in Ghana, Africa's innovators are leading in fintech, green tech, and creative industries. But right now, millions of young Africans risk never reaching their potential because of a disease we know how to prevent and treat. Two decades ago, the world united against the AIDS crisis—and it worked. Twenty-six million lives have been saved, and 8 million babies were born HIV-free. Young people accessed life-saving medicine while maternal mortality declined. Africa's progress fighting HIV/AIDS has been revolutionary. At the macro level, several African countries have achieved significant breakthroughs by setting the standard for inclusive growth. Take Botswana: once among the world's poorest nations with the highest HIV rates, Botswana's GDP per capita surged from just over $500 in 1966 to over $6,800 by 2018 – one of the fastest economic growth rates globally. In the same period, life expectancy rose from 54 to 66 despite the devastating effects of HIV. Botswana even exceeded targets for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic four years early. But this fight stands at a crossroads. Research published in the Lancet HIV last month warned that planned international aid cuts by the five largest donor countries could undo 25 years of progress at the stroke of a pen. In the worst case scenario, we could see 10.8 million additional HIV infections and 2.9 million more AIDS-related deaths by 2030—levels not seen since the early 2000s. We're seeing the human cost of these funding cuts firsthand through our own work. In KwaZulu-Natal, for instance, where approximately 1.9 million South Africans live with HIV, 20-year-old performing arts student Dalisu relied on a PEPFAR-supported community-based program for youth-friendly healthcare. (Name has been changed to protect privacy.) As funding cuts forced that program to suddenly shut down, his only option for treatment is now his university clinic. Fear of stigma and discrimination has caused him to miss appointments, putting him at risk of viral rebound. Without urgent intervention, Dalisu's health and future hang in the balance. Millions of young Africans now face similar challenges as vital support programs evaporate. Of course, being HIV-positive doesn't kill ambition. Many gifted people with access to treatment have built thriving careers. But imagine how many more success stories could emerge if fewer young people had to face this challenge in the first place. By continuing to tackle HIV at its root, we can unlock even greater potential, freeing individuals and communities from the burden it places on their health, education, and economies. African leaders themselves are committed to a clear pathway to sustainability and fully financing their healthcare, with a focus on life-saving medicines and delivery mechanisms. Countries like Angola have transitioned from support for medical commodities, while others, like Nigeria and Ghana, are filling gaps left by aid cuts. There are also significant opportunities to join forces across the continent to invest in local manufacturing and joint procurement of medicines, thereby unlocking the economic opportunities in the health economy. Enhancing the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of treatment delivery, investing in health care workers and infrastructure, leveraging advances in technology, and engaging the diaspora to invest in the ecosystem will expedite this transition to full self-sufficiency. Young Africans are ready to lead. They've shown what's possible when we invest in their health, education, and ideas. Now it's time for all of us—governments, philanthropists, and global citizens—to match that ambition. Our future depends on it.
Business Insider
08-05-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
Maternal health in West Africa: reducing mortality through innovation and policy
Maternal health remains a pressing concern in West Africa, where the risk of death during pregnancy and childbirth is among the highest in the world. With high maternal mortality rates in some countries, the region is facing a crisis that endangers the health and well-being of women, families, and entire communities. Limited access to skilled healthcare providers, inadequate medical infrastructure, and deep-rooted socio-economic barriers have created an environment where preventable deaths continue to occur. However, a shift is underway. Across the region, innovative solutions and progressive policy reforms are transforming maternal healthcare, offering new hope for safer pregnancies and healthier mothers. Yet, this transformation is not happening equally across all communities, the disparities between maternal health outcomes in urban and rural areas remain stark. While major cities in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal have well-equipped hospitals with trained professionals, millions of women in remote communities still lack access to quality care. Many must travel long distances to reach the nearest health facility, often without reliable transportation. Others rely on traditional birth attendants due to a shortage of skilled medical personnel, increasing the likelihood of complications. For many, the cost of maternal healthcare remains prohibitive, making essential services inaccessible. These challenges have fueled the need for innovative interventions that bridge gaps in care and ensure that all women, regardless of location or income level, receive the support they need. Digital health solutions are playing a critical role in improving maternal healthcare across West Africa. Mobile health platforms are providing expectant mothers with crucial information on prenatal care, nutrition, and warning signs of complications. Telemedicine is also expanding access to maternal healthcare by enabling virtual consultations, reducing the burden of travel, and connecting women in remote areas with specialists. Advancements in diagnostics are further improving outcomes by allowing for early detection of high-risk pregnancies. AI-powered ultrasound devices and portable diagnostic tools are making it easier for healthcare workers to monitor fetal development and identify potential complications in areas where access to traditional imaging services is limited. Additional, Life-saving innovations such as LifeBank's on-demand blood delivery service in Nigeria is also addressing postpartum hemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the region. Policy Reforms and Public-Private Partnerships While technology is driving significant improvements, policy reforms and government-led initiatives remain vital in the fight against maternal mortality. Across West Africa, governments are implementing programs to provide free maternal healthcare services, making it easier for women to access essential prenatal and postnatal care. Ghana's Free Maternal Health Policy, for instance, has led to increased facility-based deliveries and a decline in maternal deaths. In Nigeria, efforts such as the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) initiative have expanded access to care by removing financial barriers for expectant mothers. Beyond government intervention, public-private partnerships are proving to be a game-changer. Collaborations between governments, NGOs, and private organizations are expanding the reach of maternal health programs and ensuring the availability of critical medical supplies. Organizations like the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Gates Foundation continue to provide funding and technical support for maternal health initiatives, ensuring that women have access to life-saving interventions such as oxytocin for preventing postpartum hemorrhage and magnesium sulfate for managing preeclampsia. Midwifery training and the expansion of community health programs are also strengthening maternal healthcare systems. Countries like Sierra Leone, which suffered a major setback in maternal health services due to the Ebola crisis, have ramped up midwifery training to ensure that skilled professionals are present at every childbirth. Similarly, Nigeria has the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which is a program that funds primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across Nigeria, ensuring that women in rural areas have access to essential maternal health services. The investment in community health workers is bridging gaps in service delivery, particularly in rural areas where hospitals and clinics are sparse. The Role of Laboratory Science in Maternal Health Laboratory science is playing an increasingly important role in maternal healthcare by improving prenatal and postnatal diagnostics. The use of advanced blood screening tools is helping identify conditions like anemia and infections that can put pregnant women at risk. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is enabling early detection of genetic disorders, allowing for better preparation and management. Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria, HIV, and syphilis are ensuring that pregnant women receive timely treatment, reducing the risk of complications. By integrating laboratory science into maternal healthcare strategies, healthcare providers are improving the accuracy of diagnoses and ensuring that women receive the right treatment at the right time. Strengthening Health Systems Through Collaboration and Innovation Ensuring lasting progress in health outcomes across West Africa requires collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including governments, healthcare providers, researchers, and technology innovators. Investments in healthcare financing, digital infrastructure, and workforce development are essential to sustaining the momentum of ongoing initiatives. Expanding telehealth services, scaling up digital health platforms, and improving access to diagnostic tools will further strengthen healthcare systems and deliver better outcomes for diverse health challenges across the region. WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos will serve as critical platforms for advancing healthcare innovation and collaboration. These events will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, investors, and tech innovators to discuss scalable solutions for improving maternal health outcomes as well as addressing other pressing health concerns in West Africa. With a focus on knowledge exchange and partnership building, WHX Lagos will showcase cutting-edge maternal health solutions while also driving broader discussions on health policy reforms, system strengthening, and investment opportunities across the healthcare sector. By providing a space for thought leadership and strategic networking, WHX Lagos 2025 will accelerate the implementation of high-impact health initiatives — from maternal health to broader system-wide improvements — ultimately reducing mortality rates, improving quality of care, and enhancing health equity across the region. Reducing maternal mortality in West Africa remains a critical priority and demands a comprehensive approach that integrates innovation, policy reform, and strategic collaboration. While significant progress has been made, much work remains to ensure that all women, regardless of socio-economic status or geographic location, have access to safe, quality maternal healthcare. At the same time, building resilient healthcare systems that address a range of health challenges is vital for sustainable progress. Events like WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos provide a vital platform for driving this transformation, offering stakeholders the opportunity to engage, innovate, and commit to sustainable health solutions. As governments, organizations, and healthcare professionals continue to work towards ending preventable maternal deaths and improving health outcomes more broadly, the focus must remain on expanding access to life-saving care, investing in new technologies, and building stronger, more inclusive health systems. By prioritizing maternal health alongside broader healthcare development, West Africa can create a future where no woman — and no community — is left behind.
